Energy Star Program Survives Trump Administration Cuts

Efficiency standards for household appliances and electronics remain in place despite efforts to roll them back.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Energy Star program, which helps guide consumers to more energy-efficient appliances and electronics, has survived the Trump administration's plans to cut it. The program received sufficient support in Congress and was included in budget legislation signed by President Trump. However, the Trump administration has targeted other energy efficiency programs, seeking to 'unleash American energy' and boost fossil fuels that contribute to warming.

Why it matters

Energy Star is a voluntary, decades-old EPA-run program that informs consumers about how efficient home appliances and electronics are, helping to reduce emissions and save consumers money on their energy bills. The program's survival is seen as a win for consumers and the environment, but there are concerns about how it will be administered under a shrunken EPA.

The details

The Department of Energy develops product testing procedures for Energy Star, while the EPA sets performance levels and ensures the certification label is reliable for consumers. Last May, the EPA drafted plans to eliminate Energy Star as part of a broader agency reorganization, but many groups advocated against the potential closure of the program, citing its benefits to consumers. The legislation signed by Trump this week allocated $33 million for the program, slightly more than 2024's $32.1 million, but the funding has been declining over the past decade.

  • In May 2025, the EPA drafted plans to eliminate the Energy Star program.
  • In February 2026, President Trump signed legislation that allocated $33 million for the Energy Star program.

The players

Energy Star

A voluntary, decades-old EPA-run program that informs consumers about how efficient home appliances and electronics are, helping to reduce emissions and save consumers money on their energy bills.

President Donald Trump

The current President of the United States who signed legislation that allocated funding for the Energy Star program, despite his administration's previous efforts to eliminate it.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The federal agency that runs the Energy Star program and was previously planning to eliminate it as part of a broader agency reorganization.

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What they’re saying

“The striking thing is that consumers have a huge array of choices in appliances in the market today. Repealing these standards would simply increase cost. It just doesn't make sense.”

— Andrew deLaski, Executive Director, Appliance Standards Awareness Project

“We must follow the law as enacted by Congress.”

— Brigit Hirsch, EPA Spokesperson

What’s next

The Department of Energy has proposed rolling back, weakening or revoking 17 other minimum efficiency standards for energy and water conservation as part of 47 broader deregulatory actions. These changes could impact the U.S. marketplace and undercut American manufacturers if overseas competitors make less efficient products.

The takeaway

While the Energy Star program has survived the Trump administration's efforts to eliminate it, the future of other energy efficiency standards remains uncertain. The administration's push to 'unleash American energy' and boost fossil fuels could undermine progress on reducing emissions and saving consumers money on their utility bills.